By Ayisha Gulati, Sportsbeat

NEWQUAY’S Blake Silver may not have lifted silverware earlier this month on the manicured lawns of Wimbledon – but he still enjoyed an unforgettable experience at SW19.

Silver, 14, who attends Newquay Tretherras School and plays at Heron Tennis featured in the national finals at the Play Your Way to Wimbledon event, powered by Vodafone – the largest individual mass participation tennis competition in the UK.

Thousands of 14 and under and 18 and under players took part in the qualifying stages this year, leading to county and regional finals in June and July, with the winners progressing to the national finals on Wimbledon’s Aorangi Courts.

Silver said: “It’s amazing, it’s my dream to play here. The courts are so nice, it’s such a great experience.

“I came last year to watch and now I’m playing - when I found out I was going to play here, I was really excited. I didn’t think I’d be able to play here.

“There’s lots of nice people here. It was great because Tim Henman was here - I met him and got a picture with him.

“My favourite player is Carlos Alcaraz, I try to copy his drop shots. I just hope I can play well last week and make the most of the opportunity.”

The competition looks to inspire the next generation of tennis talent; enabling players of all ages to follow in the footsteps of their heroes and compete for a chance to play on Wimbledon’s iconic courts.

Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, is the UK’s largest individual mass participation tennis competition, providing recreational players of all ages and abilities the opportunity to compete at Wimbledon. The All England Club and LTA are proud to partner with Vodafone to expand the competition in 2024.